Basic methods in histopathology of joint tissues

Histological and histochemical methods are important tools in the evaluation of joint tissue samples for degenerative joint diseases, both in humans and in animal models In this respect. standardized, simple, and reliable techniques are mandatory This chapter describes five basic staining procedures appropriate for macroscopic (Indian ink) and histologic (HE/hematoxylin - eosin) visualization and scoring of cartilage proteoglycan and collagen content (toluidine blue/safranin O and picrosirius red/Goldner's trichrome) (C) 2010 Osteoarthritis Research Society International Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved